"Gene Kearns" wrote in
:

broke within 1 hour because the mechanic (1) couldn't solder and (2)
had no notion of how to properly suppport soldered wires against
vibration.

Not to mention prohibition against soldering (unless absolutely
unavoidable) that most A&Ps have been taught.

Unfortunately, you are right. Lots of A&P's (and IA's) work more off of
old wives tales like this than facts.

Studies have found that *correctly* formed connections, both crimp and
soldered, have virtually identical (and low) failure rates in aviation use.
Only the mode changes - crimps fail from corrosion or pull, *sometimes*
from breakage at the connector. Soldered connections, improperly done,
fail from breakage at the connector and from cold solder joints.

The only real advantage to crimp connectors is that it is a little easier
to *automate* the job, and hence they may be better in the hands of someone
without training. Otherwise, both have their proper place.

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James M. Knox
TriSoft ph 512-385-0316
1109-A Shady Lane fax 512-366-4331
Austin, Tx 78721
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